Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What type of drugs falls under Schedule V?

1. Highly potent narcotics

2. Drugs with limited narcotic content typically for specific ailments

3. Only over-the-counter medications

4. Controlled substances with significant recreational use

The correct answer is: Drugs with limited narcotic content typically for specific ailments

Drugs that fall under Schedule V are characterized by their limited potential for abuse compared to drugs in higher schedules. They typically contain small amounts of narcotics and are often used for specific medical conditions, such as cough suppression or diarrhea relief. This classification by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) indicates that these medications can be prescribed or dispensed with less stringent regulations compared to higher-scheduled drugs. For instance, medications like cough preparations containing low doses of codeine fall into this category. The classification reflects that while these drugs do have some potential for abuse, it is significantly lower than that of drugs in Schedule II, III, or IV. Therefore, understanding that Schedule V includes drugs with limited narcotic content used for specific ailments aligns with the criteria set by regulatory authorities. The other options hint at a misunderstanding of the scheduling system or the specific nature of drugs categorized within each schedule.